27 June 2009, 11:00
In Baku, police disperses a picket against Israeli president's visit
The police of Baku have prohibited a group of activists from a number of Islam-oriented Azerbaijani NGOs and political parties to hold a non-sanctioned protest action against the visit to the country of Israeli President Shimon Peres in front of the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Azerbaijan.
The participants of the picket who have rallied in front of the MFA building were shouting slogans in protest against the visit of the Israeli official, as the "Interfax" writes.
In the course of the action policemen detained 15 picketers and took away their flags. The APA Agency reports that the detainees were brought to the district police station.
The first ever visit of Israeli leader to Azerbaijan is to take place on June 28. Mr Peres will discuss issues of bilateral cooperation and regional problems with his counterpart - President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliev. Signing of some documents is expected on the outcomes of negotiations.
Islamists are against the visit of Israeli President to Azerbaijan, saying that after January events this year in Gaza Sector "Israel has finally lost any trust of Muslim countries, and, consequently, the invitation of the President of Israel was a great mistake."
